NFL analyst Ron Jaworski was the prime mover of the day, saying that based on film study of five Texas A&M games in 2013, he doesn't think Manziel is worthy of being picked in the first round of the NFL draft — or, for that matter, the second and maybe not the third.

“My grade right now is incomplete, but I do not see very many redeeming qualities in his game that project him to be a first-round pick, a second-round pick and, to me, I think he's a third-round pick or maybe later,” Jaworski said.

As if the conversation needed to be tweaked to an even higher level, Jaworski pulled out the ultimate conversation-starter for fans of the Texans, who have the first pick in the draft. He suggested that the Texans and new coach Bill O'Brien might be better suited by sticking with veteran Matt Schaub at quarterback.

“I can't advise Bill O'Brien who to take, but I'm certain Bill O'Brien knows what he wants his quarterback to look like,” he said. “And I actually think they have a quarterback on their roster in Matt Schaub that is the kind of quarterback that Bill O'Brien likes.

“I think he's going to say, 'Hmmm. I like this Schaub guy. He reminds me a little bit of Tom Brady in size and stature,' maybe not the outstanding consistency of Tom Brady, but you have an experienced, veteran quarterback, you surround him with the right people, I think Matt Schaub can still play a very solid game.”

However, he thinks Manziel comes up short in categories that define success in the NFL.

“The NFL game is about the pre-snap phase of the game, getting in the proper protection, then, when you drop back, reading coverage properly, getting the ball out of your hand early in time with your receiver so when they turn, that ball is there,” he said. “And it is ball security in the pocket, taking care of the football. It's mechanics in the pocket: your throwing slot is consistent.

“And right now, I see Johnny Manziel as a project, a guy that will go down as one of the great collegiate players of all time.”

With plenty of air time to fill later in the day, ESPN called on draft expert Mel Kiper for an alternate view. He scoffed at the notion that Manziel was a “project” who would not play immediately. Kiper laughed out loud at the notion Manziel could slide to the second or third round of the draft.

“That's laughable,” he said.

In a later appearance on ESPN's “NFL Live,” Jaworski acknowledged Manziel was likely to be a high draft choice, adding, “He probably will go in the first round, but I'm not going to make that pick.”

Meanwhile, on WGNU-AM in St. Louis, former Cowboys and Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer said he is concerned about Manziel's character.

“I don't like his antics. I think he's an arrogant little (expletive),” Switzer said. “I've said that and I'll say it again. He's a privileged kid, he's embarrassed himself, he's embarrassed his teammates, his program. He's embarrassed his coach. And they'll all have to defend him because they have to coach. I know that. I spent 40 years in the damn game so I know how it works.”

But Switzer also said Manziel is the “most dominant, dynamic college quarterback I've ever seen.”